Contributor: Aaron Lessen, MD
Educational Pearls:

How do we take care of kids in severe pain?

• There are many non-pharmacologic options for pain (i.e. ice, elevation) as well as more conventional medication options (i.e. acetaminophen, NSAIDS) but in severe pain stronger medications might be indicated.
• These stronger medications include options such as IV morphine, a subdissociative dose of ketamine, as well as intranasal fentanyl.
• Intranasal fentanyl has many advantages:
  • Studies have shown it might be more effective early on in controlling pain, as in the first 15-20 minutes after administration, and then becomes equivalent to other pain control options
  • Total adverse effects were also lower with IN fentanyl, including low rates of nausea and vomiting
  • To administer, use the IV formulation with an atomizer and spray into the nose; therefore, you do not need an IV line
  • Dose is 1-2 micrograms per kilogram, can be redosed once at 10 minutes.
• Don’t forget about gabapentinoids for neuropathic pain, muscle relaxants for muscle spasms, and nerve blocks when appropriate. (Disclaimer: muscle relaxers have not been well studied in children)

References

1. Alsabri M, Hafez AH, Singer E, Elhady MM, Waqar M, Gill P. Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Fentanyl in Pediatric Emergencies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2024 Oct 1;40(10):748-752. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000003187. Epub 2024 Apr 11. PMID: 38713846.
2. Bailey B, Trottier ED. Managing Pediatric Pain in the Emergency Department. Paediatr Drugs. 2016 Aug;18(4):287-301. doi: 10.1007/s40272-016-0181-5. PMID: 27260499.
3. Hadland SE, Agarwal R, Raman SR, Smith MJ, Bryl A, Michel J, Kelley-Quon LI, Raval MV, Renny MH, Larson-Steckler B, Wexelblatt S, Wilder RT, Flinn SK. Opioid Prescribing for Acute Pain Management in Children and Adolescents in Outpatient Settings: Clinical Practice Guideline. Pediatrics. 2024 Sep 30:e2024068752. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-068752. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39344439.

Summarized by Jeffrey Olson, MS4 | Edited by Jorge Chalit, OMS4

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